NBC plans on adding Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Steelers receiver Hines Ward, and former Giants receiver David Tyree to their pregame coverage of the Super Bowl on Sunday. Here’s the NBC Sports tweets containing the news…

It is an audition of sorts for the two active players according to USA Today, but I’m not sure why Rodgers would really need to audition for anything, considering he’s entering the prime of his career as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Why would he be thinking about becoming an analyst? Rodgers is being known off the field for his State Farm commercials, which are everywhere at the moment and making football fans across the country possibly regret hearing the phrase “discount double check” ever again.

But for Ward, the move makes a lot more sense. He’s nearing the end of his career, and has reportedly shown a lot of interest in transitioning to a studio role once his career comes to a close. He has mainstream appeal after his appearance on Dancing With The Stars and is a very well-spoken individual, which could set himself up very well for his post-playing career. It’s really a crapshoot with NFL analysts though, and the Super Bowl pregame show will be a good chance for Ward to get his feet wet and see if he’s got a future there.

As for Tyree, I know he had the big play in Super Bowl XLII, but the helmet catch was his last one in the NFL. Perhaps NBC will be able to get out all of this footage in the pregame and not let it dominate the Super Bowl XLVI broadcast.